Following on from our very successful match against Scaynes Hill Cricket Club last year, a Bluebell Railway representative eleven is again challenging Scaynes to a social cricket match. This is set for Saturday, July 16th, 2016.

We hope to raise funds for both causes, and any contributions to this single site will be shared 50/50 with Scaynes. The Cricket Club have just made a substantial purchase of some new nets, and need to raise funds for a new lawnmower and clubhouse repairs. Bluebell Railway is fundraising for a major project - Accessible Steam Heritage (ASH). ASH will provide additional undercover working for three locomotives, vital repairs to the running shed, and also a new interactive loco exhibition. Donations of £210,000 will release an £840,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The new cricket ground at Freshfields is a truly beautiful setting. Last year's event was a wonderful day on the hottest day of the year. We are encouraging Bluebell supporters to attend, have a picnic, support the team, and round off with a superb barbecue at the Scaynes clubhouse. The ground is along Freshfield Lane, driving north past the Sloop Inn, on the right just after the rail bridge. Watch the Bluebell eNewsletter for further details. To those who can't attend, please consider donating to both causes, in remembrance of a time when the sound of leather on willow, accompanied by the chuff of steam and a whistle, were a regular feature across the English countryside!